This afternoon I had the pleasure of viewing a public art mosaic created by the Croydon Community School and facilitated by Maroondah City Council.

Croydon Community School, which has classes for students in Year 7 through to Year 13, provides an alternative for secondary students that have experienced difficulties in other schools. The Croydon Community School provides an opportunity for such students to learn within a supportive environment and reinforced by apprenticeship programs and career guidance.

The mosaic created by the Croydon Community School will enhance the perceptions of Croydon and help demonstrate a common interest in the community between traders and students.  The mosaic through increasing the understanding and cooperation between these two groups helps demonstrate that everyone has the opportunity to excel in their own endeavours.

Unfortunately such opportunities are stymied through the limitations our youth have in regard to mobility. Public transport services beyond Ringwood operate at a half hourly frequency during off-peak times causing a source of frustration of our youth, of which many are trying to use public transport to attend employment and educational opportunities. While Maroondah City Council is helping to provide beneficial opportunities there is a need for the State Government to also play its part.

Mobility is a key factor in enhancing the opportunities provided for our youth. The people of Croydon deserve more frequent rail services. On weekends the train line operates at a twenty minute frequency there is no reason why our off-peak services which begin at 10am during the week should operate at a poor half hourly frequency.